Devines Hill

Stone drains were carved beside the road, with culverts taking water under the road to drain it away. Note the pick marks on the stone walling

Governor Darling was not impressed with the newly opened line north of the ferry when he inspected it in late 1828, so he ordered Surveyor-General Thomas Mitchell to find a better ascent. Mitchell selected the new route ascending Devines Hill in January 1829, and work on the new line commenced immediately. The ferry was moved upstream to its present position.

Lt Percy Simpson had replaced Warner late in 1828. Simpson was an engineer who knew of the scientific road building revolution which had recently taken place in Europe. He was the man who could fulfil the aspirations of Governor Darling and Surveyor General Thomas Mitchell to build a "Great Road", a road "as good as any in England".

Devines Hill contains some of the most impressive structures on the Great North Road. Stone walling up to 10 metres high, buttresses, culverts, drains and quarried faces remain in this 2 km section which took 4 years to build.